Hearing centre has sound advice for music lovers in Crewe this Tinnitus Awareness Week

A local hearing expert is warning Crewe residents and music lovers that they are putting their hearing at risk every day by listening to music through headphones at too high a volume, ahead of this year’s British Tinnitus Association Awareness Week (2-8 February).

Specsavers Opticians and Hearing Centre in Crewe has seen a recent increase in the number of enquiries about ringing or buzzing in the ears from younger people, who regularly listen to music on their phones.

Hearing director, Matthew McDonnell, says:
‘We are a nation of music lovers so it makes no sense that we would put our ability to enjoy our favourite songs at risk.
Listening to music through earphones is potentially damaging because the sound is aimed directly at the eardrum. Turning up the volume too loudly can cause serious long-term repercussions such as tinnitus or hearing loss.
We have certainly noticed an increase in the number of younger people coming into store for hearing tests who complain about buzzing in their ears. This is a classic symptom of tinnitus and it’s concerning to see this incurable condition affecting more young people.’

Around 6.3 million people are affected by Tinnitus, 10 per cent of the UK population, seriously affecting the quality of life of one in every 100 people.

Although its causes are not clear, it is often linked to regular exposure to loud noise.* Noise levels exceeding 105 decibels can damage hearing if endured for more than 15 minutes.

Matthew McDonnell, adds:
‘This Tinnitus Awareness Week, we want you to listen to your favourite artists at a sensible volume. Regularly exposing your ears to loud music for more than a few hours a week is likely to result in deterioration and this is irreversible once it starts.
A classic symptom of tinnitus is buzzing in the ears, just one of the reasons behind the increase in the number of young people coming in for hearing tests.
Remember our ears need to last us a lifetime so it is important that we look after them.’

If you are worried about your hearing or experience a ringing in the ears, you can make a free appointment at Specsavers Hearcare Centre in Crewe by calling on 01270 250707 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/Crewe.